Chris Dorsey Reports: The Truth About Polar Bear Hunting

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Acclaimed biologist, conservation journalist, author and filmmaker Chris Dorsey travels to the Canadian Arctic to investigate whether polar bear policy is being driven by science—or caught in a global climate advocacy and fundraising war

Few animals on Earth evoke more emotion than the polar bear. For decades, images of bears standing on shrinking ice, struggling through Arctic landscapes or seemingly threatened by a warming planet have become among the most recognizable symbols of global climate change.

But is the story Americans have been told the whole story?

Outdoor Channel examines that question in the new one-hour investigative television special, “Chris Dorsey Reports: The Truth About Polar Bear Hunting,” premiering this October 2nd at 8pm & 11 pm, with additional airings Saturday 10/3 at 9 pm, Saturday 10/10 at 10 pm, and Friday 10/16 at 10 pm. Read more

Wildlife

MDT Brings the ACC Elite Chassis to the Ruger American Short Action

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MDT is adding the Ruger American short action to the ACC Elite lineup, putting the full competition platform on a factory action.

The ACC Elite is built around positional stability. The 18 inch forend carries an RRS dovetail and ARCA along the bottom for bipods and tripod work, with M-LOK at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions for the rest of the setup. The internal weight system lets the shooter tune balance for the way they shoot rather than accept the rifle as it comes, and the forend clears barrels up to 1.1 inches with a bridge installed.

The system comes with the SRS-X Elite buttstock and the Vertical Grip Elite with connector bar. Length of pull adjusts from 12.25 to 14.75 inches, the cheek riser moves through an inch of travel, and the M-LOK thumb rests set where the shooter wants them, so a position can be dialed in once and returned to under time. The chassis feeds AICS pattern magazines, accepts AR15 pattern grips, and takes the Elite control and NV bridges. It is machined from 6061 aluminum and Cerakoted.

This is a competition chassis for shooters running a factory action. It gives PRS and NRL competitors the same platform, weight system, and forend length they would build on a custom action, without the custom action. Read more

Firearms

New Firewood Rules Coming to Michigan in 2027

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Photo courtesy Michigan DNR

Michigan is taking another step to prevent invasive pests and plant diseases from entering the state. Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, untreated firewood from outside Michigan will no longer be allowed to enter the state under a new firewood quarantine announced by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Michigan Invasive Species Program.

The quarantine does not apply to properly heat-treated and certified firewood, and several other wood products are exempt. Michigan is also launching an Invasive-Free Firewood Certification Program to help consumers identify firewood that meets the new requirements. Read more

Wildlife

Leupold’s New MX-6HD 8-48×60 First Focal Plane Spotting Scope

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Leupold & Stevens, Inc., provider of the world’s most rugged, lightweight, and clear sport optics, is pleased to announce the launch of its new MX-6HD family of spotting scopes.

The MX-6HD first focal plane (FFP) spotting scope is built for individuals and teams who need more than just a clear image. Whether you’re calling impacts, scanning terrain, or identifying targets at distance, it delivers the clarity, control, and confidence to make the right call the first time. It is available now in one of four reticle options: PR2-MIL, Tremor 4, TMR, and the new FOV reticle, which is a simple circle that indicates the edge of your field of view at high (48x) power. Two additional reticles, the H32 and MIL-GRID 6, are available for Military and Law Enforcement purchase.

“When you’re engaging a target as a team, the spotter and shooter need to be seeing the same thing and speaking the same language,” said John Snodgrass, Product Line Manager for Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “The MX-6HD helps make sure that’s the case. It’s optically fantastic, is loaded with professional-level features, and is available in some of the most popular reticle options. You won’t find a better solution.” Read more

Optics

Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex Adjusting Rates to Keep Pace with Inflation

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Whether carving fresh powder, exploring downhill runs or enjoying breathtaking Lake Superior views, the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex in Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula offers something for every winter enthusiast.

To keep pace with rising operational costs and ensure fair competition with regional ski areas, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is implementing rate adjustments on select lift tickets, season passes, lessons and equipment rentals – the facility’s first price increases since 2018.

The new rates, which will be in effect this ski season (expected to start in late December), were determined by evaluating regional market comparisons and economic indicators, including inflation.

These adjustments ensure the DNR can continue providing a safe, high-quality experience for visitors. State park operations, including the winter sports complex, are largely driven by user fees (such as Recreation Passport purchases and lift tickets) and royalty revenues, with only 3% supported by Michigan’s General Fund tax dollars.

The DNR has recently dedicated $500,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to critical maintenance of the triple chairlift. Over the past six years, total facility investments have reached an estimated $1.4 million, funding additional chairlift maintenance, new Alpine and Nordic grooming equipment, modern mountain rescue gear, a dedicated staff snowmobile for alpine rescues and refreshed rental inventory (including Sno-Go ski bikes). Read more

General

Custom & Collectable Firearms Introduces Colt Python 3″ Sidewinder .357 Magnum

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Custom & Collectable Firearms proudly presents the Colt Python Sidewinder, a limited-edition .357 Magnum revolver that gives the iconic profile of the Python a modern, tactical edge.

The Sidewinder features a classic blued finish paired with black Hogue grips, and a Black KAGE Compensator System on the 3-inch barrel. The Sidewinder also features a Vortex Venom red dot, SureFire X300 weapon light, and a 24Kt gold-plated flat trigger, bringing together a collection of premium modern components to a classic revolver. Read more

Firearms

Derya Arms Launches the EX1300 Over/Under Shotgun

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Derya Arms (South Derya Corp.), an international firearms manufacturer with production operations in Jacksonville, Florida and Konya, Türkiye, today introduced the EX1300, a break-action over/under shotgun offered in 12 gauge, 20 gauge and .410 bore. All three models carry the same $699 MSRP and are shipping now through Derya’s authorized dealer network nationwide.

The EX1300 is built on a monolithic steel receiver finished in nickel, paired with deep black chrome barrels and a hand-selected Turkish walnut stock and forend. Steel automatic ejectors throw fired hulls the moment the action opens. A single selective trigger and a tang-mounted safety with an integrated barrel selector let the shooter choose which barrel fires first. Centered top-lever and tang controls and a stock with no cast-on or cast-off make the gun equally at home in either hand.

The launch expands Derya’s traditional sporting line alongside the EX1400 side-by-side. Where the company is best known in the United States for tactical shotguns and pistols, the EX series is built for hunters, clays shooters and anyone who wants a walnut-and-steel double without choosing between gauges or stretching the budget.

Most American shooters know Derya for tactical shotguns, pistols, and rifles. The EX1300 is the other side of what we build: a walnut-and-steel over/under with ejectors and a full choke set, in the three gauges hunters and clays shooters actually ask for, all at one price. Pick your gauge, not your budget.

— Dustin Jones, Vice President, Derya Arms

THREE GAUGES, ONE PRICE

EX1300 12 Gauge, 28-inch barrels. The all-rounder for waterfowl, upland and sporting clays. Chambers 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells.

EX1300 20 Gauge, 26-inch barrels. Shorter barrels and a 43-inch overall length make it quick in the hands for a full day in upland cover.

EX1300 .410 Bore, 28-inch barrels. Soft-shooting and well-mannered for small game, youth and new shooters, with the same fit and finish as the larger gauges.

Every EX1300 ships with three flush-fitting Mobilchoke tubes — Full, Modified and Improved Cylinder — and arrives in a protective Derya bag. All three models are California, Maryland and Massachusetts compliant and are backed by Derya’s limited lifetime warranty to the original owner. Across the line the gun weighs 6.64 pounds, with a 14.3-inch length of pull and a fixed bead front sight. The 12-gauge and .410 measure 45 inches overall; the 20-gauge measures 43 inches.

AVAILABILITY AND ORDERING

The EX1300 is available now through authorized Derya dealers nationwide. Item numbers and UPCs are EX1300.12.28 (12 gauge, 28-inch barrels, UPC 810216300562), EX1300.20.26 (20 gauge, 26-inch barrels, UPC 810216300579) and EX1300.410.28 (.410 bore, 28-inch barrels, UPC 810216300586).

Product page: https://derya.us/ex1300/

Dealer locator: https://derya.us/dealer-locator/ Read more

Firearms

Department of Interior Reestablishes Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation and Access Council

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Safari Club International (SCI) applauds the reestablishment of the Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation and Access Council and is proud to be represented by Chris Tymeson, SCI Vice President of Government Affairs, as a council member, and Mark Moore, Safari Club International — Music City Chapter, as an alternate member.

The federal advisory council provides recommendations to the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture on wildlife and habitat conservation, hunting and shooting sports, partnerships, and public access to hunting and shooting opportunities.

“SCI is honored to have two dedicated advocates selected to serve on this important council,” said W. Laird Hamberlin, CEO of Safari Club International. “Chris and Mark understand the critical role hunters play in conservation, access and responsible wildlife management. Their service will help ensure that hunters’ voices are represented as federal leaders consider policies affecting America’s outdoor traditions.”

Tymeson will represent the interests of U.S. hunters actively engaged in domestic and international hunting conservation. Moore will serve as an alternate member representing the interests of big game hunting organizations.

The council was reestablished by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum earlier this year and replaces the former Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council. Read more

Wildlife

Vortex Adds New Green Dot and Tan Housing Options to Defender Lineup

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When failure isn’t an option. Now with more options for concealed carry and tactical shooters.

Holster wear. Barricade hits. Repeated recoil. Bad weather. Defender was designed for the realities of everyday carry and fast-paced tactical shooting, where equipment gets handled rough and doubt in your optic has no place in the equation.

The Defender-CCW™ and Defender-ST™ Enclosed Solar Micro Red Dots carry that reputation forward with enclosed protection that shields the emitter from rain, snow, dust, and everyday carry debris. Whether mounted on a pistol, offset on a carbine, or piggybacked on an LPVO, dual-power operation and rugged construction deliver the durability shooters expect from the Defender line. New green multi-reticle and tan housing options let shooters tailor their optic to their firearm or personal preference. Read more

Optics

Arkansas Alligator Hunters Harvest 150 Alligators in First Weekend Hunt, 62 Opportunities Remain

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Hannah Jester put her tag on this 12-foot, 4-inch alligator that weighed 448 lbs. at Millwood Lake on Saturday night during her first season as an Arkansas alligator hunter. Photo courtesy Hannah Jester.

The first weekend of the Arkansas alligator hunting season, Sept. 18-21, yielded 150 gators across the state’s three alligator management zones. The second chunk of the hunt is set for sunset Sept. 25-sunrise 28.

Most hunting takes place on private property; hunters apply for permits to hunt public land during July.

Alligator management zone 3, which covers a piece of southeastern Arkansas along the Mississippi River from Louisiana to Monroe County, accounted for 90 alligators, nine with permits on public land and 81 on private property.

Zone 1, wedged into the southwestern corner of the state and the smallest of the three zones, produced 56 gators, 14 on public land and 42 on private land.

Four alligators were harvested on private land in zone 2, the largest zone, which reaches from the Louisiana state line to Pope County; none were taken on public land.

A new quota for public hunting at Millwood Lake in zone 1 was reached during the first weekend, which means that area is closed to hunting during the second weekend of the season. The area historically has had a lower harvest than permits allowed for, so the AGFC instituted a quota in 2025 to encourage hunters to take their alligator as soon as they could instead of holding out for a larger specimen.

“We did not meet that quota last year, but Millwood Lake hunters took advantage of their first weekend this year and filled the quota during the first two nights of this year’s hunt,” AGFC Herpetologist Amanda Bryant said. “That will be the only area closed to hunting at the start of the last weekend of the hunt.” Check current alligator harvest remaining for each management zone at www.agfc.com/hunting/more-game/alligator/season-dates.

This year’s alligator season is well on its way to perhaps setting another record. Hunters set the mark with 205 alligators in 2025, which broke the record of 202 set in 2023.

Roger Alexander got this impressive alligator at Millwood Lake on Saturday night. The alligator measured 11 feet, 2 inches, but Alexander later checked his tape measure and said it may have been a few inches longer than that. Read more

Hunting
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